Environmental Science: Nano最新文献

Interactions between nanoplastics and soil proteins can profoundly influence their environmental behavior and transformation in terrestrial environments. Here, experimental characterisation combined with molecular dynamics simulations was employed to elucidate the mechanisms governing the interactions between soil proteins and nanoplastics with different surface functionalities. All three nanoplastics adsorbed soil proteins to form distinct protein coronas. Amino-modified nanoplastics formed more complex and stable coronas primarily through electrostatic interactions, whereas unmodified and carboxyl-modified particles exhibited weaker adsorption driven by hydrophobic interactions. Spectroscopic analyses revealed protein conformational rearrangements upon adsorption, while proteomic profiling indicated enrichment of proteins related to microbial metabolism and environmental adaptation. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed strong and stable binding between amino-modified nanoplastics and the representative soil protein elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), dominated by electrostatic forces. These findings provide molecular-level insights into how surface modification modulates nanoplastic–protein interactions in soil-relevant systems.

In this work, WO₃ was used as a support to prepare noble metal-based IrRu/WO₃ catalysts for the CO selective catalytic reduction (CO-SCR) in oxygen-rich flue gas. The CO-SCR activity was promoted through the synergistic interaction between Ir and Ru, coupled with the tailored interface between oxygen-deficient WO₃ and the bimetallic IrRu nanoclusters. XRD and TEM results confirmed the formation of well-dispersed Ir–Ru nanoparticles, as well as a reduction-induced transformation of WO₃ to WO_2.92. Various techniques, along with DFT calculations, were employed to investigate the synergistic roles of Ir and Ru, as well as the contribution of the WO₃ support. The enhanced CO-SCR activity of IrRu/WO₃ was attributed to the electronic synergy between Ir and Ru, which stabilized Ir⁰ and facilitated NO activation, and the oxygen vacancies in WO₃ induced by the strong metal–support interaction (SMSI). These vacancies not only protected active metal sites but also generated reactive oxygen species that stabilize NO_x as nitrates. This work addresses the gap in understanding WO₃-supported IrRu bimetallic catalysts and provides new perspectives for designing efficient CO-SCR catalysts, setting the stage for further mechanistic and kinetic investigations.

Rapid, sensitive, and reliable analysis of trace organic pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aqueous matrices is critical for water quality assessment. In this study, a self-supported fluorine-functionalized covalent organic framework membrane (F-COF membrane) was fabricated via bottom-up functionalization modification at room temperature and employed as a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coating for the enrichment and determination of trace OCPs in water. The as-synthesized F-COF membrane exhibited a large specific surface area (482.58 m² g⁻¹), superhydrophobicity, abundant surface functional groups (e.g., –CN–, –F, and –NH₂), and excellent stability. Under optimized conditions, the F-COF-based SPME coating achieved superior performance in enriching 20 trace OCPs, with enrichment factors (EFs) as high as 2527–6120, along with outstanding reusability (over 180 extraction cycles). These performance metrics outperformed those of most previously reported SPME coating materials. The efficient enrichment mechanism of the F-COF membrane toward trace OCPs was attributed to the synergistic effects of hydrophobic interaction, halogen bonding, π–π stacking, and size-matching effects. Subsequently, the developed F-COF-based direct immersion solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (F-COF-DI-SPME-GC/MS) method demonstrated good linearity over the concentration range of 0.1–5000 ng L⁻¹, ultra-low limits of detection (LODs, 0.001–0.065 ng L⁻¹), and high precision, making it suitable for the determination of trace OCPs in water samples. Furthermore, the application of this method to the analysis of real water samples (lake water, river water, and seawater) revealed excellent matrix interference resistance. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained in the range of 86.15–111.14% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <9.60%, indicating that the proposed F-COF-DI-SPME-GC/MS method is well-suited for the accurate monitoring of OCPs in various real aqueous matrices.

Pesticides play a crucial role in agricultural production. However, long-term application or overuse of pesticides has led to the development of resistance in target organisms, causing significant damage to ecosystems and non-target species. Nano-agrochemicals (NAs) have shown potential to improve pesticide performance, promote crop growth, and reduce environmental pollution. This review comprehensively summarizes the classification of NAs and their bidirectional interactions with plant systems and soil microenvironments and elaborates on the regulatory mechanisms of the “nanoparticle–plant–soil” three-dimensional (3D) network. It provides a theoretical reference for the design of environmentally friendly NAs and their application in sustainable agriculture.

Bacterial plant diseases remain a major constraint to global agriculture, threatening food security through yield losses, quality reduction, and increased production costs. Conventional chemical bactericides are becoming less effective due to pathogen adaptability, resistance development, and ecological concerns, creating an urgent need for innovative and sustainable alternatives. Recent advances in nanotechnology present a transformative opportunity by introducing engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with unique physicochemical properties such as nanoscale size, enhanced reactivity, and precise delivery capabilities. This review examines the integration of nanotechnology with plant disease management, highlighting strategies such as direct antibacterial action, nanomaterial-based encapsulation, functionalization, and stimuli-responsive delivery systems. Metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, engineered nanocomposites, polymer-based nanoparticles and nano–phage hybrids are explored for their ability to disrupt pathogen membranes, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhance immune responses, and enable smart, controlled release of antimicrobials. Furthermore, ENMs offer dual benefits by promoting plant growth and priming systemic resistance, creating multifunctional platforms that extend beyond pathogen suppression. By bridging mechanistic insights with practical applications, nanotechnology-enabled interventions have the potential to revolutionize bacterial disease management in crops, offering a sustainable, precise, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods, and contributing significantly to agricultural resilience and global food security. The review also addresses critical challenges including biosafety, environmental fate, scalability, standardization, and regulatory barriers.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used in industry and agriculture, leading to their persistent occurrence and accumulation in aquatic environments and posing potential environmental risks. However, the specific role and underlying mechanisms of CuO NPs in the health risks of aquatic organisms remain unclear. This study revealed that dietary exposure to high levels of CuO NPs elevated hepatic Cu content, inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction that exacerbate hepatic lipotoxicity. Mechanistically, high dietary CuO NPs enhanced the interaction between domains 1 and 3 of the Cu chaperone for superoxide dismutase (Ccs) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (Mek1), which subsequently activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (Erk1^T202/Y204 and Erk2^T185/Y187). The activated Erk1/2 mediated CuO NP-induced lipotoxicity by suppressing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Pparα) and promoting its phosphorylation at the S77 site. Further investigation demonstrated that Pparα phosphorylation impaired fatty acid β-oxidation by downregulating the promoter activities of long chain acyl-coA dehydrogenase (acadl) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase Ia1b (cptIa1b). For the first time, this study elucidated the novel mechanism by which CuO NPs induced metabolic disorder via the Ccs/Mek1/Erk1/2/Pparα signaling axis. These findings provide critical evidence for the toxicological and environmental risk assessment of nanoparticles, while also deepening the mechanistic understanding of nanometal exposure-induced health effects in aquatic animals within complex environments.

As a key compound widely used in textile, cosmetic, fire protection, and packaging industries, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) pollutes the environment via the hydrological cycle and enters the human body through the food chain, causing severe toxicity to reproductive, endocrine, and liver systems. Thus, highly sensitive detection of trace PFOS in water is crucial for protecting life and health. Based on this, a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on a chitosan/MXene/gold nanoparticle (CS/MXene/AuNPs) composite was developed for ultra-trace PFOS detection. MXene, with a high specific surface area and excellent conductivity, served as the substrate, enhancing electron transport via in situ AuNP reduction, while CS improved interfacial stability. Using PFOS as a template and pyrrole as the functional monomer, specific imprinted sites were constructed on the electrode via electropolymerization. Synergistic effects of MXene (conductive framework), AuNPs (catalyzing redox), and CS (immobilizing imprinted layer) boosted sensitivity. Results showed a linear range of 1.0 × 10¹–1.0 × 10⁹ pg mL⁻¹, detection limit of 7.9 pg mL⁻¹ (S/N = 3), and 98.02–102.04% recovery in spiked samples. This strategy provides a selective and low-cost paradigm for monitoring persistent organic pollutants. Furthermore, it holds significant potential for supporting global environmental safety networks, aiding in pollution-induced disease control, and safeguarding ecological security, human health, and sustainable development.

Tetracycline (TC), a commonly used antibiotic, poses serious risks to environmental safety and public health, even if present in trace amounts in aqueous systems including rivers and groundwater. This study introduced catalytic wet air oxidation (cWAO) as an efficient technique for treating TC-laden water using pelletized biochar-supported Cu nanoparticle (NP)-tipped graphitic carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a catalyst. The proposed material configuration integrated the favourable redox potential and multiple oxidation states of Cu NPs with the high electron conductivity of CNFs. Micron-sized biochars were derived by the pyrolysis of naturally resourced bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoots and served as a stabilizing matrix for Cu NPs without leaching. Physicochemical characterization revealed the formation of a meso–macroporous structure with a Cu loading of ∼10.8 mg g⁻¹ and an abundance of oxygen functional groups. The cWAO activity tests confirmed ∼99% removal of aqueous TC using 1 g L⁻¹ dose of the pelletized catalyst at 100 °C and 2 bar, with the simultaneous reduction of the chemical oxygen demand (∼78%) and total organic carbon (∼80%). The radical scavenging test and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis confirmed the degradation of TC via the radical (˙OH and ˙O₂⁻) and non-radical (¹O₂) pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed the transformation of the TC molecule to reaction intermediates, eventually degrading to CO₂ and H₂O. The reusability test showed the stability of the catalyst over five oxidation cycles, while the toxicity test confirmed the treated cWAO samples to be harmless. The findings clearly underscore the need for further study on the Cu-CNF/biochar pellets for treating the recalcitrant pharmaceutical compound-laden wastewater by cWAO in a packed bed reactor under flow conditions.

The safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) has been a subject of debate for over two decades, primarily due to the lack of consensus on their toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular-level toxicity of TiO₂ NPs is essential for accurate safety evaluations and effective risk mitigation strategies. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the relationship between the physicochemical properties of TiO₂ NPs and their pulmonary toxicity at the molecular level. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether these properties and the corresponding transcriptomic responses can facilitate the categorization of TiO₂ nanoforms into groups with similar pulmonary hazards. Through the integration of bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome-wide transcriptomic profiles, we identified size, specific surface area, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, crystalline structure, and surface modification as key determinants of TiO₂ NP toxicity at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, we observed that different nanoforms of TiO₂ NPs, characterized by varying properties, can elicit distinct molecular-level responses, indicating that transcriptomic pathways are subject to different modes of perturbation. Our findings offer valuable insights into the safety considerations of TiO₂ NPs and lay the groundwork for future strategies to group nanoforms with similar patterns of hazards.